On November 9, 2024, Hong Kong's Democratic Party successfully hosted a low-key dinner to mark its 30th anniversary, overcoming a series of forced cancellations that have plagued the party in recent years. The event, held at two separate venues due to space constraints, faced interruptions from police, although no arrests were made during the gathering [83acfbd4]. Former chairwoman Emily Lau Wai-hing expressed her disappointment over the numerous hurdles encountered in organizing the banquet, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by political groups in the current climate [83acfbd4].
The Democratic Party's previous attempts to celebrate significant milestones have been thwarted by venue cancellations, including a spring reception last year and a fundraising banquet two years ago [83acfbd4]. In stark contrast, the party's 2018 banquet raised HK$5 million, showcasing the drastic changes in Hong Kong's political landscape since the implementation of the national security law in 2020 [83acfbd4]. As the party navigates these challenges, the anniversary dinner serves as a testament to its resilience amidst a shifting political environment [83acfbd4].